Universal display apparatus and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A universal display apparatus comprising a housing, wherein the housing further comprises a substantially transparent front and a back with a plurality of apertures for receiving supporting members. Supporting members may selectively be placed in any of the plurality of apertures within the back of the housing, such that a user can create a universal display case which is capable of holding any size, shape and/or dimension object which fits within the housing of the universal display apparatus.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a universal display apparatus andmethods of use thereof, and more particularly to a universal displayapparatus with a plurality of apertures on the back, wherein a pluralityof support members can be inserted into the plurality of apertures tosupport objects within the housing of the universal display apparatus,including multiple objects of different size, shape and dimension.

BACKGROUND ART

There are various types of devices for displaying objects; however, eachof these display devices typically only displays a single item ormultiple items of substantially the same shape.

One such device for displaying items has a top layer of material and anitem supporting material joined together, wherein both the top layer andthe item supporting material have at least one aperture for receiving aportion of the item to be displayed. A bottom layer of material isjoined with the item supporting material. A frame receives the joinedtop layer of material, item supporting material and bottom layer ofmaterial.

Another device is a display case with a rear plate having a frontsurface, a frame structure removably attachable to the rear plate, and atransparent enclosure positioned within the frame structure.

Yet another device discloses an adjustable height, rotatable, rollingtool storage area with an opaque locking lid inside of which are aplurality of boards with apertures for receiving varieties of fixturesfor carrying tools.

Still another device discloses a case for displaying and storing cutleryor related articles, wherein the case includes a container with aforward display portion and a rear storage portion, separated by adivider. A series of storage blocks for carrying cutlery are positionedwithin the rear storage portion, and cutlery support frames are mountedon the divider. Each cutlery support frame includes a vertical backplatewith a horizontal tab extending therefrom. A support clip is pivotallyattached by one end to each backplate. The storage blocks are elongatedblocks having a plurality of thin slots oriented transverse to thelonger side of each block, and further having a plurality of passagewaysparallel to the slots. The blocks also have a plurality of tabsextending from the block between the slots and parallel to the slots,with the tabs tapering away from the slots to form a guide for cutleryhandles.

Another device discloses a golf ball display case, which includes ahousing enclosing a volume defined by a base, a top wall, two sidewallsand a back wall. A hinged door defines the front wall of the housing. Atransparent panel forms the face of the front door. The base hasmultiple recesses therein for securing an array of golfing tees, whichin turn support golf balls. The back wall of the housing is covered withgreen material to simulate a golfing green or may be covered with amirror.

Yet another device discloses a display carrier for POGS and/or Slammersand has a body portion with an upper flat surface and registrationcavities therein arranged in an upper and a lower level, such that POGSor Slammers registered in cavities in the lower level may be overlappedby POGS or Slammers registered in the cavities in the upper level. POGSand Slammers with picture elements may therein be placed and displayedto present a larger contiguous pictorial display.

Still another device discloses a coin display case that includes anouter lens, an inner lens and a central laminate. The laminate is heldbetween the outer lens and the inner lens. The laminate further includesa hole for accepting a coin. The laminate is made out of a layer offlexible foamed material sandwiched between two layers of sulfur-freeacid neutral paper.

Another device discloses a protective display case for collectible itemsthat protects and displays baseballs and other collectible items. Itcomprises a rigid transparent tube which contains the baseballs andthrough which they can be viewed, one end cap at each end of thetransparent tube to retain the balls, a rigid backboard to which the endcaps are attached to hold the end caps in their fixed rigid position.

Yet another device discloses a jewelry display case that serves asartwork, enabling a jewelry collection to form part of the artwork. Thedisplay case includes a cabinet having at least a bottom, sides and atop, and a plurality of jewelry supporting components. At least one ofthe jewelry supporting components includes a jewelry display assemblyhaving a pair of sidewalls disposed spaced from each other in facingrelation, at least one jewelry bar fixed to and extending between thesidewalls, and a supporting axle extending through a center of each ofthe sidewalls. The sidewalls and at least one jewelry bar are rotatablerelative to the supporting axle.

Still another device discloses a showcase for supporting a plate or thelike in a display position having a protective cover with a lid over abase portion. The plate is supported within the cover and on the baseportion in an almost vertical position by a stud projecting from therear wall of the protective cover and a slot located in the uppersurface of the base portion. In a second preferred embodiment, a plateshowcase device has an integral cover and base portion made of a singlesheet of material providing a relatively flat showcase capable of beingwall hung or self supporting.

Another device discloses a display for awards to be attached to auniform of an order. The display includes a frame and a back coveredwith a fabric having a pocket of a material and color such that thepocket area of a shirt of the uniform of the award-granting order isrepresented. The pocket is so located as to provide space on both sidesfor awards that are to be worn on the right and left sleeves.

Yet another device discloses a corrugated paperboard header displaypanel comprising a single folded over sheet that has discrete pegreceiving apertures in a front sheet and slots in a rear sheet alignedwith the apertures. The panel is supported by a pair of triangularsupports of a folded over paper board sheet formed as a one piececorrugated support and brace structure.

Still another device discloses a display container with a front wallcurved inwardly to a position against a rear wall forming an open front.Three-dimensional objects may pierce the portion of the curved frontwall which is spaced from the rear wall so that the front wall willsupport the articles which may be viewed through the open front.

Another device discloses a display case with an opaque rear membertelescopically coupled to a transparent front member. Indicia areprovided on a portion of the face of the transparent member and indiciaare provided on the rear member so they are visible through thetransparent member.

Yet another device discloses a display case with a rectangular housingfor a buckleless belt utilized in the marshal arts to denote expertisein that marshal art. The housing is designed to contain a belt in acoiled state. The belt is coiled around a centrally positionedcylindrical post. A portion of the belt may be held in position eitheron the post by means of a medallion denoting the specific marshal artsport or loosely coiled to fit firmly against the sides of the housing.

Still another device discloses a can display holder for use indisplaying cans on a peg board having a plurality of vertically andhorizontally spaced holes. The can display holder has a base, a spacedpair of arms for engaging a respective pair of the peg board holes and amember extending downwardly from the base for resisting downwardrotation.

Another device discloses a triple thickness T-shaped corrugatedpaperboard display peg board with discrete apertures in a front paneland aligned slots in a rear panel, wherein an insert is supported by apair of triangular supports also of triple thickness. The supports andboard each comprise folded-over sheets and an insert bonded together.The supports are interlocked with the display board with aligned slots.A brace member also folded over corrugated paperboard has slotsinterlocked with the supports also with mating interlocking slots. Thebase of the board is narrower than the upper portion and has edges flushagainst the supports which are interlocked to the upper portion. Thedisplay board has peg receiving apertures comprising discrete aperturesin a front panel and aligned with slots in the insert and rear panel.

Yet another device discloses an illuminated display case comprising aframe member and a housing for containing a three-dimensional object.The illuminated display case further includes a light source mountedwithin the housing for illuminating the object contained within thehousing of the apparatus.

Still another device discloses a display in the form of a sheet materialcarton which defines an internal compartment within which is located amounting board. The mounting board includes a plurality of peg hookslots with a peg hook to be supportingly secured within each slot. Oneach peg hook is located, in an inline relationship, a stack of items tobe displayed. The mounting board includes side flaps which are tightlyheld in position between top wall flaps attached to the carton and thesidewalls of the carton. The top wall flaps also include locking tabswhich connect with appropriate locking tab openings formed within themounting board and the carton. The carton also includes bottom wallflaps movable to a closed position when the display is being utilized.

Another device discloses a portable rack for holding pots and pans andthe like. Two pair of main frame leg members slope inwardly toward eachother and are provided with swivel casters to provide portability. Eachpair of leg members supports a peg board to which pots and pans areattached by conventional hooks. A top closure member is positioned atthe top of the inwardly-sloping leg members. At least two shelf membersare provided between the sloping leg members. An interior retaining slotfor cookie sheets and lids for the pots and pans is provided at each endof each shelf defined by portions of the peg board members, the shelvesthemselves and an additional retaining strip secured to the insidesurfaces of the leg members and spaced vertically from the shelfmembers.

Yet another device discloses a showcase having a rectangular frameclosed at the back and a slidably insertable and removable transparentfront frame. One side and the top and bottom pieces of the frame havegrooves for slidably receiving the front pane along its correspondingedges. The other side piece has a longitudinal side-to-side openingthrough which the front pane is slidably inserted and removed, and afront-to-back recess which intersects the opening. A retainer pin isremovably positioned in this recess to hold the front pane in place.

Due to the constraints of current display devices, one must typicallypurchase a different type of display case for each item to be displayedor at least a different type of display case for each different type ofgroup objects to be displayed. Those display devices that are capable ofshowing different objects are typically utilized in retail and aplurality of the same objects are linearly stacked one on top of theother for sales purposes, not for the most effectively display.Additionally those retail devices are rarely adjustable to accommodatedifferent size objects in a supporting manner. Rather there is a singletype of extension from the board which is spaced to allow a single typeof object to hang from the extension. Further, these types of displaycases do not have covers or fronts which protect the displayed items notonly from theft, but from a possibly degrading environment which maydamage collectibles, memorabilia or the like. Thus, if anyone wishes todisplay a group of collectibles, memorabilia and/or similar items ofdifferent sizes, shapes and/or dimensions, a separate display case mustbe purchased for each type of collectible or memorabilia. This isparticularly frustrating to a user who wishes to display items which mayrelate to one subject, but are of different sizes or to a user whowishes to display an item for which there is not a suitably sized andshaped display case.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a universaldisplay apparatus and methods of use thereof which minimizes and/orovercomes these deficiencies by providing a universal display apparatuswhich is capable of displaying a plurality of different sized and shapedobjects and is adjustable so that the arrangement or contents can bechanged as desired. This eliminates the need to buy multiple displaycases for different shaped or sized objects and further allows a user todisplay items relating to a single subject matter all in one area, whileminimizing the likelihood of theft or damage to the objects from theenvironment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a universal display apparatus andmethods of use thereof, wherein the universal display apparatuscomprises an enclosed case, the back of which has a plurality ofapertures for receiving pegs and/or supporting members. The pegs areselectively placed in the plurality of apertures in a manner desired bythe user to support an object or multiple objects of any size, shape ordimension. Thus, a user need only buy a single display case to exhibitmultiple different objects and can selectively rearrange the supportmembers as needed to incorporate new objects to display.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin a preferred form is a universal display apparatus and methods of usethereof, wherein the display apparatus or display case comprises ahousing. The housing further comprises a back, wherein the backcomprises a plurality of apertures. The display apparatus furthercomprises at least one support member, wherein the support member isselectively and removably received within at least one of the pluralityof apertures, and wherein the support member supports at least oneobject for display. Thus, support members can selectively be insertedinto and secured within the plurality of apertures in any desiredconfiguration to support any object which fits within the dimensions ofthe housing. One skilled in the art would recognize that the housing ofthe universal display apparatus can be of any suitable shape including,without limitation, circle, rectangle, square, oval, triangle, any othersuitable shape for displaying objects and/or any combination thereof.Additionally, one skilled in the art would recognize that the pluralityof apertures may run the entire depth of the back or only a portion ofthe way through the back.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one support member supportsat least two objects, wherein at least one of the objects is ofsubstantially different size. Additionally, at least one support membersupports at least two objects, wherein at least one of the objects is ofsubstantially different shape. Further, at least one support membersupports at least two objects, wherein at least one of the objects is ofsubstantially different dimension. Thus, the supporting members can bearranged in any user-defined arrangement to support objects of the sameor different size, shape and dimension.

In another preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatus furthercomprises a filler material for displaying an object, wherein the objectis disposed on the filler material a desired distance from the back ofthe housing. Alternatively, the object is disposed in a recessed portionof the filler material. Additionally, the display apparatus furthercomprises a filler material for displaying a substantially flat object,wherein the object is disposed on the filler material a desired distancefrom the back of the housing. The substantially flat object may besecured to the filler material by any means known, but, withoutlimitation, tape, glue, recesses, pin, and/or any combination thereof,are specifically contemplated. Thus, an object such as a photo,newspaper article, plaque, certificate or other memorabilia can bedisplayed within the housing at a distance anywhere between the back ofthe housing and the front of the housing. This is particularly usefulfor bringing flat objects from the back of the housing to the front ofthe housing for a clearer and better display with reduced glare and/orenhanced visibility or for retention of an object by contact with thefront of the housing, although the filler material may alternatively berecessed to house objects a desired distance from the back of thehousing.

In still another preferred embodiment, at least one object for displayhangs or is suspended from at least one support member. This isparticularly desirable for medals, ribbons, spoons and/or othermaterials, memorabilia or collectibles which would be more appropriatelyhung from the supporting members than resting on top of the supportingmembers.

In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one support memberperipherally retains at least one object for display. Thus theperipheral edge of an object rests on or is in communication with thesupport member. This is particularly useful for supporting objects ofsubstantially spherical shape such that a portion of the edge is incontact with the support members. Additionally, the support memberminimizes or eliminates horizontal movement of the object whenperipherally supporting the object while the universal display apparatusis in the vertical position. Further, the support member preventsmovement of the object from each side when the universal displayapparatus is in the horizontal position.

In another preferred embodiment, the support member further comprises atleast one groove to facilitate shortening of the support member.Alternatively the support member may further comprise at least oneperforation to facilitate shortening of the support member. Withgrooves, notches, wedges, perforations and/or similar divots in thesupport members, a user can easily snap, cut and/or break the supportmembers at a desired length. One skilled in the art would recognizegrooves, notches, wedges, perforations, divots, similar devices and/orany combination thereof would function equivalently and are contemplatedand thus the embodiment is not meant to be limited to the specificterms.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the support member furthercomprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upperportion further comprises a first securing member and the lower portionfurther comprises a second securing member, and wherein the firstsecuring member and the second securing member cooperatively engage. Forexemplary purposes only, the upper portion comprises a male portion andthe lower portion comprises a female portion for separating the twoportions from each other and for securing the two portions backtogether. Alternatively, the upper portion comprises a female portionand the lower portion comprises a male portion. The support memberpreferably contains a plurality of paired securing members such that thelength of the support member can be selected by the user to efficientlyand aesthetically accommodate objects of different depths.

In still another preferred embodiment, the support member furthercomprises a securing member or securing flange to retain the object onthe support member. This prevents the object from falling off of thesupport member. Thus, the support member has a lower portion securedwithin one of the plurality of apertures disposed on the back of thehousing and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion has a securingflange or securing member. For exemplary purposes only, and not intendedto be limiting, the securing member or the securing flange may comprisethe shape of an arrow facing up in relation to the lower portion of thesupport member, a flared shape, a T-shape, a mushroom shape, a hookshape, increasing diameter from lower portion to upper portion, similarshape and/or any combination of the like. One skilled in the art wouldrecognize the securing flange or the securing member can be any shape orsize suitable to prevent slippage and/or accidental falling of the atleast one object to be displayed. The support member with a wider upperportion which preferably narrows toward the lower portion of theplurality of support members, or pegs, is preferred and specificallycontemplated without limitation. Alternatively, the support membercomprises a pointed member, wherein the pointed member is of sufficientshape to pierce an object to aid in supporting the object. The pointedmember is particularly useful in supporting, for exemplary purposesonly, filler material, filler block, foam and/or similar material.Additionally, any combination of differently shaped securing flange orsecuring member may be provided with the universal display apparatus toassist in accommodating as many different size, shape and dimensionobjects as possible.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatusfurther comprises a hanging mechanism to support the universal displayapparatus in a substantially vertical position. Thus, the universaldisplay apparatus, or display case, can be hung on a wall or similarvertical structure to display objects within the display case. Althougheye-hooks and wire, rings, support bars and/or any combination thereofare specifically contemplated, one skilled in the art would recognizethere are many ways have hanging items vertically and thus these termsare meant without limitation.

In another preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatus furthercomprises at least one foot to support the universal display apparatusin a substantially horizontal position. Feet for objects which layhorizontal are generally well known in the art. They particularly keepthe display apparatus from sliding, while also preventing scratching ofthe surface by the display apparatus. Additionally, if a verticalhanging mechanisms is incorporated onto the back of the display case,then feet would be necessary to keep the universal display casesubstantially parallel with the horizontal surface on which it rests byproviding clearance for the vertical hanging mechanism.

In still another preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatusfurther comprises a standing mechanism to support the display apparatusin an inclined position. Thus, the display case can be positioned at anangle between horizontal and vertical as desired by the user to mosteffectively show the contents of the universal display apparatus.

In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of apertures comprisesuniform spacing and/or each aperture is uniformly spaced in relation toeach other. The apertures may also be evenly spaced. Thus, the pluralityof apertures provides a consistent pattern for placement of objectswithin the display case.

In another preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatus furthercomprises a backing material disposed on the back. Thus, there is alayer of felt or any other suitable material between the back of thehousing and the front of the housing. This hides from view any unusedapertures while also preventing any unwanted backlight or reflections.Additionally a material behind the displayed objects allows a user tochange the background color to provide a more aesthetically pleasingdisplay case dependent on the object being displayed. Alternatively, thebacking material is a picture or similar backdrop which would besuitable for the objects stored within the universal display apparatus.

In yet another preferred embodiment, at least one support membersupports at least one shelf. This arrangement would be most suitable fordisplaying objects needing a flat base on which to rest. In a furtherpreferred embodiment, the shelf has at least one aperture for securingto the support member. Thus, slippage of the shelf and accordingly theobject on the shelf is minimized. Additionally, the shelf can beutilized to horizontally and laterally support the object when theuniversal display apparatus is in the horizontal position, therebyrestricting or preventing movement of the object to be displayed.

In still another preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises afront portion, wherein the front portion is substantially transparent.Thus, a view of the objects on display within the universal displayapparatus is provided. Although glass is specifically contemplated, oneskilled in the art would recognize nearly any transparent material couldbe utilized, including, without limitation, PLEXIGLAS, plastic, acrylicand/or any combination thereof.

In a further preferred embodiment, the universal display apparatusfurther comprises at least one object support block, wherein at leastone object is disposed between the object support block and the frontportion, and wherein the object is disposed against the front portion,and wherein the object is retained in position by the object supportblock. Thus, an object can be retained between the substantiallytransparent front portion and the object support block, allowing one tosee the object without glare or shadows from other objects within theuniversal display case.

In a further preferred embodiment, the front portion is lockably securedto the housing to prevent theft or damage to articles within theuniversal display case. In still a further preferred embodiment, thefront portion is hingedly connected to the housing. In another alternateembodiment, the front portion is also be completely removable from thehousing. Thus, with either the hingedly connected front portion or thecompletely removable front portion, a user can easily gain access to theplurality of apertures on the back.

In one preferred embodiment, the back is removable from the housing toprovide easier access to the plurality of apertures. Thus the supportmembers can be inserted into the plurality of apertures more easilywhile minimizing damage to the housing or without requiring removal ofthe housing itself from its mounting or resting position.

In another preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a finalbacking disposed behind the back. A final backing prevents any of thesupport members from going all the way through the apertures of the backand thus prevents damage to any surface behind or beneath the universaldisplay case. Additionally, the final backing provides support andstructural integrity to the housing in the case that the back isremoved.

In one preferred embodiment, a universal display kit comprises a displaycase, wherein the display case further comprises a back, and wherein theback further comprises a plurality of apertures, and wherein each of theplurality of apertures is dimensioned to receive at least one supportingmember. The universal display kit further comprises the supportingmember, wherein the supporting member securely fits within one of theplurality of apertures, the backing material, the filler material, and astorage mechanism for the supporting member, the backing material andthe filler material. Thus, a complete kit is provided in which aconsumer can purchase a universal display case, choose a back dropsuitable for the items to be displayed, insert supporting members intothe apertures within the back in a desired arrangement, utilize thefiller material if desired, put objects into the universal display case,mount the universal display case and put any extra pieces in the storagebag for later utilization. In alternate embodiments, the storagemechanism may be either a bag or a box, or further, a bag may not beincluded at all.

In a preferred use, a method of displaying items is provided, whereinthe method comprises the steps of selectively securing at least onesupport member within at least one aperture of a back of a substantiallyenclosed housing, and supporting at least one object utilizing thesupport member. Thus, a method of use for utilizing a universal displayapparatus is provided, wherein the user can arrange the support memberin a desired location and place collectibles, memorabilia and/or otheritems on or in communication with the support member.

In a further use, supporting at least two objects where the objects areof different size, shape and/or dimensions is possible. Thus, theuniversal display case can accommodate any object that will fit withinthe substantially enclosed housing.

In still a further use, a method of displaying items further comprisesthe steps of securing a supporting material to a support member, andsecuring a substantially flat second object to a front portion of thesupporting material. Additionally, in a preferred use, the method ofdisplaying items further comprises the steps of disposing at least oneobject a desired distance from the back of the substantially enclosedhousing, wherein the object is held in position by a filler block. Inthis manner, an object, particularly if it is substantially flat can bedisplayed at different depths relative to the front and the back of thehousing. This is helpful in reducing glare and shadows and providingbetter viewability of the objects within the display case, and/or forsecuring the object between the filler block and the front of thehousing.

In yet a further preferred use, adjusting the length of at least onesupport member to efficiently accommodate at least one object to besupported is provided. Thus, the entire support member need notunnecessarily stick out past the object being displayed and detract fromthe object itself.

In a further preferred use, securing at least one shelving unit to atleast one support member is provided so objects which require or arebest suited for a flat surface may be displayed within the universaldisplay case. Additionally, the shelving unit can be utilized when theuniversal display case is in the horizontal position to restrainmovement of the object to be displayed.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to eliminate the need to purchase multiple display cases byproviding a universal display apparatus for collectibles or other items.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tohouse collectibles, memorabilia or other items of different size, shapeand/or dimension simultaneously.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to adjust the arrangement of supporting members to the size orshape of an item to be displayed by inserting the supporting membersinto a back of a housing, wherein the back comprises a plurality ofapertures.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to present a substantially flat object to be displayed between atransparent front and a filler material, wherein the object is disposedon the filler material and against the transparent front.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention isproviding shelves which are adjustable within the display case,including at angular disposition.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its abilityto provide a display apparatus which can be reconfigured multiple timesas the contents to be displayed change over time.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toprovide an environment to display collectibles, memorabilia and the likewhile minimizing the effects of harmful environments and preventingdamage to the collectibles, memorabilia and the like.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to provide a secure location to store collectibles, memorabiliaand the like.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to the elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a front perspective of a preferred embodiment with a firstarrangement of objects;

FIG. 1B shows a front perspective of a preferred embodiment with asecond arrangement of objects and a backing material;

FIG. 1C shows a front perspective according to a preferred embodimentwith a third arrangement of objects and a shelf;

FIG. 2A shows an elevated side view according to a preferred embodimentof a supporting member;

FIG. 2B shows an elevated side view according to a preferred embodimentof a supporting member;

FIG. 2C shows an elevated side view according to a preferred embodimentof a supporting member;

FIG. 2D shows an elevated side view according to a preferred embodimentof a supporting member;

FIG. 2E shows an perspective view according to a preferred embodiment ofa supporting member;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a shelf according to a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a shelf according to an alternateembodiment; and

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-section according to a preferredembodiment, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 4, the present invention in apreferred embodiment preferably comprises universal display apparatus 1,wherein universal display apparatus 1 preferably comprises housing 4,and wherein housing 4 further preferably comprises back 7. Back 7preferably comprises plurality of apertures 10. At least one supportmember 13 is preferably disposed within at least one of plurality ofapertures 10. At least one support member 13 preferably supports atleast one object 99, wherein at least one object 99 is of any size,shape and/or dimension to fit within housing 4.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 4, housing 4 preferablycomprises front portion 61, wherein front portion 61 is preferablysubstantially transparent, such as, for exemplary purposes only,comprising glass 64, to display at least one object 99. Front portion 61is preferably disposed on housing 4 via securing devices, such as hinges60 (best shown in FIGS. 1A-1C), although one skilled in the art wouldrecognize multiple securing devices could be utilized to secure frontportion 61 to housing 4, and such securing devices are contemplated,without limitation, including sliding tracks, screws, nail and/or anycombination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, front portion 61preferably further comprises lock 67 (best shown in FIGS. 1A-1C) toprevent access to object 99 within universal display case 1. Lock 67secures front portion 61 to housing 4 by any means known to one skilledin the art; however, side mounted locks, padlocks, key locks, codedlocks, and/or any combination thereof, are specifically contemplated,without limitation.

Still referring to FIG. 1A-1C, at least one support member 13 may beprovided in different lengths and/or at least one support member 13 ispreferably shortenable to create at least one shortened support member14.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1A-1C, plurality of apertures 10 arepreferably uniform in size and shape and further spaced uniformly onback 7 as denoted by horizontal distance 45 and vertical distance 46(best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C).

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1A, at least one support member13 is also preferably capable of peripherally supporting and retainingobject 96 by remaining in communication with object 96, thus limitingand/or substantially preventing movement of object 96 in two planes.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1B and FIG. 4, universal displayapparatus 1 preferably further comprises backing material 49 preferablydisposed between back 7 and at least one object 99. Thus, plurality ofapertures 10 are preferably hidden from view by backing material 49 toprovide a more defined and aesthetically pleasing view of at least oneobject 99.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, support members 13 are preferably capable ofsupporting at least one suspended object 97, such as, withoutlimitation, a medal, ribbons, chains and/or any combination thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 1B and FIG. 4, universal display apparatus 1preferably further comprises at least one filler material 16 and/or atleast one support block 17. At least one filler material 16 and/or atleast one support block 17 is preferably supported by support member 13;however, at least one filler material 16 and/or at least one supportblock 17 is also supportable by disposing support member 13 within atleast one filler material 16 and/or at least one support block 17 on oneend 85 and disposed within aperture 10 within back 7 on a second end 86.At least one filler material 16 and/or at least one support block 17 isparticularly suited to support substantially flat object 98, such as,without limitation, pictures, diplomas, certificates, badges, similarmaterials and/or any combination thereof. Thus, substantially flatobject 98 is preferably disposed between at least one filler material 16and/or at least one support block 17, and front portion 61, wherein atleast one substantially flat object 98 is disposed against front portion61, and wherein at least one substantially flat object 98 is retained inposition by at least one filler material 16 and/or at least one supportblock 17. At least one filler material 16 and/or at least one supportblock 17 is preferably positionable anywhere within housing 4 byadjusting location of at least one support member 13.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1C, universal display apparatus1 preferably further comprises shelf 55, wherein shelf 55 is preferablysupported by at least one support member 13. Thus, an object whichrequires a substantially horizontal surface is preferably supportedwithin housing 4 on shelf 55.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2A-2D, at least one supportmember 13, preferably comprises upper portion 25 and lower portion 28.Upper portion 25 preferably comprises first securing mechanism 31 whichpreferably secures upper portion 25 to lower portion 28 via interlockingcommunication between first securing mechanism 31 and second securingmechanism 34 disposed on lower portion 28. Thus, at least one supportmember 13 is preferably capable of being shortened by unsecuring upperportion 25 of at least one support member 13 from lower portion 28 of atleast one support member 13. In an additional embodiment, groove 19 ispreferably disposed on at least one support member 13, wherein groove 19preferably facilitates shortening of at least one support member 13 byallowing at least one support member 13 to break or be cut at groove 19,as is best shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Alternately, at least one supportmember 13 preferably further comprises perforation 22 to facilitateshortening of at least one support member 13 through breaking, cutting,snapping and/or any method known by one skilled in the art.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2A-2E and FIG. 4, at least onesupport member 13 also preferably comprises at least one securing member40, preferably disposed on upper portion 25 of at least one supportmember 13. At least one securing member 40 may be comprised of any shapewhich would assist in securing object 96, 97 and/or 99 and/orrestraining movement of object 96, 97 and/or 99; however, flared ends 35(best shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4), semi-circular ends 36 (best shown inFIG. 2B), flat ends 37 (best shown in FIG. 2C), pointed ends 38 (bestshown in FIG. 2D and FIG. 4), hooked ends 39 (best shown in FIG. 2E),and/or any combination thereof, are specifically contemplated, withoutlimitation.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3A-3B, at least one supportmember 13 preferably secures at least one shelf 55 to back 7 of housing4 (best shown in FIG. 1C). In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG.3A, at least one support member 13 is secured with cylindrical apertures58 of shelf 55. Thus movement of shelf 55 is preferably limited,reduced, constrained and/or eliminated once at least one support member13 is inserted into aperture 10 within back 7 of housing 4. In analternate embodiment, as is best shown in FIG. 3B, at least one securingmember 40, preferably having flat ends 37, restricts, limits and/oreliminates movement of shelf 55 and thus safeguards object 99 (bestshown in FIG. 1C) from falling due to movement of shelf 55.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, depicted therein is a partialcross-sectional view of universal display apparatus 1 taken along lineA-A of FIG. 1B. In a preferred embodiment, universal display apparatus 1preferably comprises housing 4, wherein housing further preferablycomprises final backing 52. At least one support member 13 is showndisposed within aperture 10 with object 99 being secured by at least onesecuring member 40, and more specifically, flared end 35 of at least onesupport member 13. At least one filler material 16 and/or at least onesupport block 17 is shown is a preferred embodiment, preferablysupported by at least one support member 13 by insertion of pointed ends38 of at least one support member 13 into at least one filler material16 and/or at least one support block 17. At least one filler material 16and/or at least one support block 17 preferably secures substantiallyflat object 99 between at least one filler material 16 and/or at leastone support block 17, and glass 64 of front portion 61.

Still referring to FIG. 4, final backing 52 of housing 4 of universaldisplay case 1 further preferably comprises feet 73 to preventscratching of surfaces on which universal display case 1 rests.Additionally, final backing 52 of housing 4 of universal display case 1further preferably comprises hanging mechanism 70 preferably for hanginguniversal display case 1 vertically.

In use, a method for displaying at least one object 96, 97, 98 and 99 isprovided wherein at least one support member 13 is preferably securedwithin aperture 10 of back 7 of substantially enclosed casing 5 topreferably support at least one object 96, 97, 98 and 99. In a furtherpreferred use, support block 17 is preferably secured to or disposed onat least one support member 13 and substantially flat object 98 ispreferably positioned between front portion 61 of housing 4 and supportblock 17. A further use is provided, wherein at least one object 96, 97,98 and 99 is preferably held in position a desired distance from back 7of substantially enclosed casing 5 by filler block 16. Still a furtherpreferred use is provided, wherein at least one support member 13 lengthis preferably adjustable to efficiently accommodate object 96, 97, 98and 99 to be supported. In still a further preferred use, securing shelf55 to, or disposing shelf 55 on, at least one support member 13 istaught to preferably provide a substantially horizontal surface whenuniversal display case is in a vertical position.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the artthat the embodiments within disclosures are exemplary only, and thatvarious other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be madewithin the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numberingthe steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute anylimitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modificationsand other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilledin the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are usedin a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by thefollowing claims.

1. A universal display apparatus comprising: a housing, wherein saidhousing comprises a back, and wherein said back comprises a plurality ofapertures; and at least one support member, wherein said at least onesupport member is received within at least one of said plurality ofapertures, and wherein said at least one support member supports atleast one object for display.
 2. The universal display apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one support member supports at least twoobjects, and wherein at least one of the at least two objects is ofsubstantially different dimension.
 3. The universal display apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said universal display apparatus further comprises afiller material for displaying an object, wherein the object is disposedon said filler material a desired distance from said back of saidhousing.
 4. The universal display apparatus of claim 1, wherein saiduniversal display apparatus further comprises a filler material fordisplaying a substantially flat object, wherein the substantially flatobject is disposed on said filler material a desired distance from saidback of said housing.
 5. The universal display apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one object for display is suspended from said atleast one support member.
 6. The universal display apparatus of claim 1,wherein said at least one support member peripherally retains the objectfor display.
 7. The universal display apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidat least one support member further comprises at least one groove tofacilitate shortening of said at least one support member.
 8. Theuniversal display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least onesupport member further comprises at least one perforation to facilitateshortening of said at least one support member.
 9. The universal displayapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one support member furthercomprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein said upperportion further comprises a first securing mechanism and said lowerportion further comprises a second securing mechanism, and wherein saidfirst securing mechanism and said second securing mechanismcooperatively engage.
 10. The universal display apparatus of claim 1,wherein said at least one support member further comprises a securingmember to retain an object on said at least one support member.
 11. Theuniversal display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality ofapertures comprise uniform spacing.
 12. The universal display apparatusof claim 1, wherein said universal display apparatus further comprises abacking material disposed on said back.
 13. The universal displayapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one support member supportsat least one shelf.
 14. The universal display apparatus of claim 13,wherein said at least one shelf has at least one aperture for securingsaid shelf to said at least one support member.
 15. The universaldisplay apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises afront portion, and wherein said front portion is substantiallytransparent.
 16. The universal display apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising a support block, wherein the at least one object is disposedbetween said support block and said front portion, and wherein the atleast one object is disposed against said front portion, and wherein theat least one object is retained in position by said support block. 17.The universal display apparatus of claim 16, wherein said front portionis lockably secured to said housing.
 18. A universal display kitcomprising: a display case, wherein said display case further comprisesa back, and wherein said back further comprises a plurality ofapertures, wherein each of said plurality of apertures is dimensioned toreceived at least one supporting member; said at least one supportingmember, wherein said at least one supporting member securely fits withinone of said plurality of apertures; at least one backing material; andat least one filler material.
 19. A method of displaying items, whereinsaid method comprises the steps of: securing at least one support memberwithin at least one aperture of a back of a substantially enclosedhousing; and supporting at least one object utilizing said at least onesupport member.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the stepsof: securing a support block to at least one support member; andsecuring at least one substantially flat second object to a frontportion of said support block.
 21. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising the step of: disposing at least one object a desired distancefrom said back of said substantially enclosed housing, wherein the atleast one object is held in position by a filler block.
 22. The methodof claim 19, further comprising the step of: adjusting the length ofsaid at least one support member to efficiently accommodate the objectto be supported.
 23. The method of claim 19, further comprising the stepof: securing at least one shelving unit to said at least one supportmember.